A horse's whinny is unlike any other sound in nature
New Scientist
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A horse's whinny is a unique combination of two sounds produced simultaneously by its larynx—a low-pitched noise akin to a cow’s moo and a high-pitched whistle. This dual-sound phenomenon, known as biphonation, has long intrigued researchers. Recent studies reveal that the low-frequency component originates from vibrations in the horse's vocal folds, similar to human speech or singing. The high-frequency sound, however, is unusual for large animals and was previously a mystery. Scientists discovered that this whistle-like sound is generated by air flowing through the larynx at high speeds, creating turbulence—a process akin to whistling.
To uncover how horses produce these sounds, researchers conducted experiments with horse larynges. They blew air and helium through them, observing that while the low-frequency component remained consistent, the high-frequency sound shifted significantly when using helium, confirming it was a whistle produced aerodynamically within the larynx. Further endoscopic tests on live horses showed muscle contractions around the larynx at the start of a whinny, narrowing the glottis and forcing air through a slit-like opening to produce the high-pitched whistle.
This discovery is significant because it provides the first strong evidence that large mammals, aside from humans, can produce aerodynamic laryngeal whistles. The study highlights horses as unique among mammals for incorporating whistling into their vocal repertoire. Understanding this mechanism could offer insights into animal communication and inspire bioinspired technologies. For instance, the whistle might enhance the sound's travel distance, aiding horse-to-horse communication over long distances.
The research underscores how even familiar animals like horses can yield surprising scientific discoveries. By unraveling the complexity of equine vocalizations, scientists not only deepen our understanding of animal behavior but also open new avenues for exploring bio-inspired audio technologies and animal welfare applications.
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Originally published on New Scientist on 2/23/2026